15 September 2014

As is usual, on 20 September 2014 the rates of a number of payments in the Australian social security system will be adjusted to take into account increases in the consumer price index (CPI). The new rates were formally announced via this press release, with a detailed set of tables provided in the attachments available here.

One of the many figures provided in those tables is the 'partner income free area' and its new value appears to be the only clue that a wrong has been righted. That correction should, it appears, provide an increase in payment rates to some couple households that is significantly larger than announced in the press release.